Dear Gen Z: Here’s the commencement speech no one has the guts to give.
I’ve never been invited to speak at a graduation ceremony. I’ve attended a few, though, and most of the speeches tend to sound the same. Polished. Predictable. Forgettable.
But if I ever did get the chance, I wouldn’t give a commencement speech. I’d give a graduation manifesto. And it would sound like this:
Dear Gen Z,
Before you launch into whatever comes next, here are a few things I’d want you to know:
- Don’t believe the lie that you’ll never be able to afford a house.
It’s fear-based noise meant to keep you on the sidelines. Will it be hard? Yes. Will it be impossible? Not at all. The best things in life usually require grit. You can do this. - Do both.
You’re going to face a lot of “either/or” questions: College or job? Grad school or career? Side hustle or steady paycheck? Health or hustle? My advice? Do both. You have more time, energy and freedom right now than you realize. Use it. Say yes more often. Show up. Try everything. Especially the things that scare you. - Build your life before you feel ready.
If you find someone worth building a life with, don’t wait. You’ll never feel “ready” for the big things. Marriage. Kids. Careers. Dreams. None of it comes with perfect timing. But the act of beginning is what shapes you. Culture says delay everything. But sometimes the best time is now. - Sports gambling is pocket slavery.
I heard from a lawyer recently who said the most heartbreaking trend he sees is young men wiping out entire family savings accounts through online gambling. This stuff is designed to trap you early. It’s fast, it’s easy, and it wants everything you’ve got. Stay clear. - Move your body in a way you enjoy.
If you hate running, don’t run. If Zumba is your thing, go for it. Even a walk on the treadmill counts. Find something that works for you and do it a few times a week. Exercise is one of the best tools we have to fight anxiety and depression. Bonus tip: doing it with friends helps. - Study older people.
It sounds strange, but it works. Look for people 10–15 years ahead of you who are living the kind of life you hope to live. Ask questions. Take notes. Say thank you. Be a student of the people who’ve been where you want to go. - Be an adult.
This one’s not fancy, but it’s powerful. Show up on time. Keep your word. Do the work. Avoid gossip. Say sorry when you mess up. Don’t overspend. Don’t blow your life up. Drink water. Call your mom. Learn to cook. Read something. Respond to texts. Be kind. Be honest. Be someone people can count on.
It might seem like simple advice, but that’s the point. Most people aren’t doing it. If you show up with integrity and maturity, you’ll stand out in every room.
Truth is, this isn’t just advice for new grads. It’s for anyone trying to live a better life — whether you’re 15, 25 or 75.
So, wherever you are, whatever’s next, remember this:
What a time to be alive.
Thanks for coming to my commencement.
— Jon Acuff
About Jon Acuff
Jon Acuff is a New York Times bestselling author of 10 books and a proud 1998 Samford alumnus. His wife, Jenny, also attended Samford, and his two daughters, L.E. and McRae, are both Samford Chi Omegas. He and his wife live in Franklin, Tennessee.
